SECOND WAVE OF EPIDEMIC. EXPECTED.

Taihape Daily Times, 29 November 1918, Page 4

SECOND WAVE OF EPIDEMIC. EXPECTED.

PRECAUTIONS MUST NOT BE RELAXED. GOVERNMENT -'WILL PAY COST OF FIGHTING THE EPIDEMIC WELLINGTON, this day The Hon. G. W. Russ .'ll, Minister of Health, says medical men state we must be prepared for a second wave of the epidemic, consequently the pro- | cautions cannot bo relaxed, and churches at night, marble bars, and stock sales cannot be resumed. There are most urgent calls for re-opening and he regrets he cannot accede to them. The Minister states though the Government will pay the cost of fighting the disease, they positively refuse to be responsible for loss of employment or business. No Parliament ever has allowed such claims. He stated there is now a tendency for the disease to spread among children, but was not yet acute, and the Health Department is grappling with it. There arc now nearly one hundred beds vacant in the hospitals, and over fifty in convalescent stations. One hospital has, boon closed, and others are hoping folplose down next week. The camps 'still have 370 cases, of which 36 are serious. Six soldiers 7 deaths are reported. AT OHAKUNE. Latest reports from Ohakune state there is not a single serious case in the township. There arc four convalescents in the hospital, and they are doing well. There is only one case at Horopito, that of a child, which is giving anxiety. Rangataua is practically clear, and at Tangiwai there are two serious eases. Returns from the Waimarino, including Ohakune and surrounding districts, but excluding Raetihi, show that., '4O deaths (including nine Maoris) have occurred since the epidemic started. Three cases from Ohakune died in the Taihape hospital, one being a man named Robin, who was a passenger on the Niagara. Seven deaths t have occurred at Raetihi. There are at present no critical cases there. AUCKLAND CITY COUNCIL TAKES ACTION TO ABOLISH SLUM AREAS. m f PROGRESSIVE HOUSING POLICY FORESHADOWED. TO COST £250,000: AUCKLAND, this day. Revelations brought about by the epidemic, particularly in regard to the • existence cf slum areas and the prevalence of grossly insanitary conditions in certain quarters of the city, was discussed by the City Council last evening. Reports were presented by the Mayor, City Engineer, Chief Sanitary Inspector, and City Solicitor. As a result of recommendations by the Mayer, the Council at next meeting will consider a proposal to embark on a progressive housing policy, for which purpose a loan of £250,000 is proposed; to increase the number of sanitary inspectors, and to obtain further powers under the Public Health Act. AT TAIHAPE. W T o are pleased to be able to report that for the 24 hours previous to midday to-day there were no further deaths, and the position is decidedly r better than it has boon since the out-A break. On inquiring from the Mayor as to the position at dinner time, he’ was glad to say the situation was very satisfactory. The cases at the temporary hospital we were informed the patients were all doing well. At the public hospital the position was also good. Two patients had been discharged. Mr. E. Sheath is progressing, and expects to be about again in a few days.